Wakefield Car Donation

The Improvement Association’s Head Start parent, Trenika Stringfield, lost her son, boyfriend, brother, and most of her personal belongings, including her vehicle, in the tornado that struck Waverly last month. Since then, The Improvement Association and several other community and state organizations have pulled together to help Ms. Stringfield try to put the pieces of her life back together and continue moving toward self–sufficiency. Ms. Stringfield is a student at John Tyler Community College pursuing her RN license and she stated that “I just want to finish school.”

In efforts to assist Ms. Stringfield in accomplishing her goal, Owen Ford in Jarratt, Virginia donated a 2005 white Buick Rendezvous with one year of service. “We are thankful to be a part of this and you won’t have anything to worry about for a year,” said Alton Owen. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (Pastor Logan Tatum) donated $1,000 to assist with insuring the vehicle for at least 6months. The Virginia Head Start Association also sent a donation to help cover expenses to ensure that Ms. Stringfield is worry free with transportation to and from college.

Rufus Tyler, Sr., the Executive Director at The Improvement Association orchestrated this special gift for Ms. Stringfield along with Delegate Roslyn Tyler. “Our mission at The Improvement Association is to move families toward self-sufficiency. Ms. Stringfield has shown amazing strength through surviving the tornado and losing her loved ones. Her main goal is to finish her education and our staff is committed to helping her do so.”

“I just really want to say that in the whole tragedy, I have been blessed that God has been with us. People from all around the world have reached out to support us and I want to say thank you,” said Ms. Stringfield.

Head Start is a nationally recognized pre-school initiative that prepares children academically, socially, physically, and emotionally for Kindergarten and life-long learning. Parents are also provided the opportunity to further their education, obtain employment skills/resources, learn about their child’s development, and become more self-sufficient. To learn more about how you can participate in The Improvement Association’s Head Start initiative, contact our office at 434-634-2490.